Speechwriting: Corporate, Weddings, Retirement

11/25/08

Money Trouble is Trouble with Money

The trouble with money is the trouble with money. We need less than we think, we think we deserve more than we get, and everyone else's attitude about money is wrong.

Of course Alan Greenspan got it wrong. He never consulted me.

So there it is.

Which brings us around to politics. Who gets to have money, and who gets to have my money has become political. I don't care. That's Caesar's problem. Not mine. He can have what's his.

"...And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Out of context, that's lovely. In context, it is a response to God, not Man.

Why bring any of this up? One friend has suddenly found herself on her own. Another has never really found her footing. One friend is finding his income similar to what he made 15 years ago. Another drives a bus and barely makes it month to month. In my home, we are doing better than ever, yet my day job's monthly income is lower. Long story explaining that one.

Back to the original question.

What's the problem with money?

Lordship. Not enough of that. Greed. Too much of that. Fear. That is something that is cast out by perfect love, yet we too often prefer fear over God.

Those who have money need, per Acts 2, share it wisely. Those who don't have money cannot presume they should be given money. Loans should be turned into gifts, but, as a receiver, we should try to repay that gift. Grace needs to abound on all sides, dignity must be encouraged.